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OSOK CIGARS SERVES ANOTHER KILLSHOT

Written by BigO |

Along with Casa Turrent, this new cigar will redefine the meaning, “Hecho en Mexico”

Houston, Texas – September 26, 2018 – The success of OSOK Cigars has been bolstered by rave reviews of industry critics and patrons alike, but this did little to satisfy its founder Edgar Hoill. Happy, but not content, Mr. Hoill fell in love with the industry but had an unwavering desire to gain a deeper appreciation behind the process.

“The growth of ‘boutique’ cigars has been incredible, but I wanted to up the game and the only way to do so was to truly understand the entire process. I owed it to myself, and it I owed it to all who have ever supported the OSOK brand” says Edgar. He further mentions, “The only way to gain a true appreciation for the process was to be a part of it so I moved to Mexico to apprentice under Don Alberto Turrent – an experience that changed my life, and one which resulted in the creation of OSOK San Andres.”

During his stay, Mr. Hoill took a multifaceted approach to learning the entire process. From seedling to growing, fermentation to blending, his explorations resulted in him becoming a quality control appointee for Casa Turrent. As a result, he then took another year to create the OSOK San Andres – a medium bodied cigar filled with complexity, infused with pride, and crafted to satisfy the most discerning pallet all the while delivering the true flavors of Mexican tobacco.

“Many top cigars already utilize Mexican San Andres tobacco for their wrappers, but they do little to give them the recognition they deserve and I wanted to change that,” says Mr. Hoill. As a result, he created the OSOK San Andres in conjunction with the Turrent family as a way to showcase the strength and flavor of a cigar that is made entirely of Mexican tobacco grown in San Andres.

Cubariqueño Cigar Co. announces the release of the Protocol Themis Corona Gorda as a Famous Smoke Shop Exclusive. The cigars are being produced at Erik Espinosa’s LaZona Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The Themis Corona Gorda will be available in a 5 5/8 X 46 format in boxes of 10. The blend consists of a Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and fillers. Cubariqueño Cigar Co. & Famous Smoke Shop are set to launch the Themis Corona Gorda at Famous Smoke Shop and Leaf Cigar Bar, in Easton, PA. on September 8, 2018 starting at 2pm. The Cigar will be available on-line and in-store at the event. Ives says about this blend... “I believe this blend shines the best in this Vitola. I believe this might be our best cigar yet.”

FDA Vapor Announcement Explained

Written by BigO |

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced a flurry of policy directives specifically targeting e-cigarettes or “vapor” products. So what exactly has the FDA announced, and what is the impact or potential impact on IPCPR’s retailers? We’ll unpack both questions below.

What Exactly Did the FDA Announce?

The FDA rolled out an action plan specifically targeting vapor products and what the agency has identified as an “epidemic” level of product use amongst teenagers. This plan includes:

Potentialremoval of vapor products from the market until a pre-market application is reviewed and approved. This is a reversal of FDA’s comprehensive plan on tobacco announced in July, ’17;

Required responses of the top 5 selling vapor product brands to provide detailed action plans on how they will combat and mitigate youth use of their products. This could include the voluntary removal of flavored products from the market;

All-in-all, the FDA announcement threatens action that could seriously limit what vapor products remain on the market and promises increased enforcement against manufacturers and retailers of these products who are not adhering to current regulations.

FRATELLO CIGARS ANNOUNCES FRATELLO ORO CHURCHILL

Written by BigO |

Springfield, VA (August 20, 2018) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce the Fratello Oro Churchill as an exclusive cigar to Leesburg Cigar and Pipe. Located in Northern Virginia, Leesburg Cigar is celebrating 30 years in the premium cigar industry with this exclusive.

Featured in a 6 ¼ x 47, the initial run of the Oro Churchill will be 150 Boxes of 20 cigars with an MSRP of $8.75 per cigar.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of Leesburg Cigar and Pipe 30th anniversary. To continuously run and operate a small business for 30 years is no easy feat. Bill is a passionate Connecticut shade cigar smoker and played a huge role in selecting the final oro blend.” Said de Frias.

ISLAND CLUB CIGARS SHIP NATIONALLY

Written by BigO |

Island Lifestyle Importers is pleased to announce the shipping of their Island Club cigars to dealers across the country. The line of cigars were introduced this past July to a national audience at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas.

The Island Club cigar is comprised of aged Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco wrapped in a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf with a covered foot. These cigars are manufactured in Estelí, Nicaragua by 9 pairs of dedicated rollers.

VIDEO: Y.A.Berra updates the Guayabera

Written by Jeffslat |

Published August 21, 2018 - an IPCPR2018 event feature.

Y.A.Berra, a Miami based company has redesigned the traditional guayaberra shirt to modern wearers. The fit has been changed, to give a different feeling to the shirt, It also comes in a variety of colors and patters that allow the wearer to make a fashion statement and personalized. The company's founder was present at the IPCPR show in Las Vegas in July and sat down for an interview with CW's Jeff and Brenda Slatton.

Providencia Cigars Announces Aromatic Aged Event Cigars

Fort Worth, TX – Just off the heels of the Hostage Release, Providencia Cigars will be offering special cigars, which have been created using the company’s proprietary “Aromatic Aging” process.

Jim Faber, Providencia Cigars founder explains:

The production process includes storing the tobacco leaves in a separate humidor in their Danli, Honduras factory. The Meritage blend uses a local Honduran red wine for the aromatic process. The length of time used for the aging process is unspecified.

IPCPR Statement on ALTRIA

Written by BigO |

IPCPR is aware of comments recently submitted by Altria Group, Inc. regarding premium cigar regulations, as well as the subsequent concerns raised about these comments. IPCPR has long been and remains a staunch advocate for premium cigar exemption from FDA regulation. Additionally, we have worked diligently with industry partners, including Altria and Nat Sherman, both on and off Capitol Hill to advocate for this position.

While the association differs with Altria’s official position on premium cigar exemption, we are heartened by the company’s statement that “Premium Cigars Are Different”, and further, their subsequent comments that premium cigars are a unique tobacco product category harmed by current FDA regulations. This includes their opposition to the unwarranted pre-market pathway and untenable testing framework under the Deeming Rule. Moreover, Altria has publicly supported current legislative language sponsored by Congressman Cole (R-OK) that includes a premium cigar exemption. We will continue to work with our partners in industry in support of favorable outcomes for premium cigars and pipe tobacco.

IPCPR urges its member retailers to review the full Altria comment, Nat Sherman’s response, as well as IPCPR’s comments. The association remains an ardent supporter of premium cigar exemption, and will continue to be the leading advocate for this outcome in Washington, DC.

Providencia Cigars Announces Aromatic Aged Event Cigars

Fort Worth, TX – Just off the heels of the Hostage Release, Providencia Cigars will be offering special cigars, which have been created using the company’s proprietary “Aromatic Aging” process.

Jim Faber, Providencia Cigars founder explains:

The production process includes storing the tobacco leaves in a separate humidor in their Danli, Honduras factory. The Meritage blend uses a local Honduran red wine for the aromatic process. The length of time used for the aging process is unspecified.

Nick Goss Joins Hiram and Solomon

Written by BigO |

Hiram and Solomon Cigars would like to welcome and introduce Brother Nick Goss to our Team as our newest Brand Ambassador. Nick will be covering all of New England and visiting a store near you soon. We believe that Nick’s experience and character will be a very positive factor towards reaching our Goal of becoming the Brand of choice for many experienced Cigar Smokers. Welcome to the Team Nick!

Ezra Zion Acquires Nomad Cigar

Written by BigO |

Ezra Zion Cigar Company has acquired Nomad Cigar Company.

"Nomad is an artisan boutique brand with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Fred has been a close friend and colleague for years. We're honored to be entrusted with such an institution." stated Ezra Zion owner Chris Kelly.

Nomad Cigars will be distributed nationally by TX Distribution, which is owned by Ezra Zion and operates from their warehouses in Alvord, Texas.

"I feel confident that not only will Chris and Kyle take Nomad Cigar Company to the next level, but will also preserve what has brought it to this point." noted Fred Rewey.

Joint IPCPR and CRA Statement on FDA Regulation

Written by BigO |

Yesterday, IPCPR and Cigar Rights of America filed a joint comment in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing review of how it should define and treat premium cigars. This process, known as an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – marked a major milestone for premium cigar retailers, manufacturers, consumers and the industry at large. It was an opportunity for IPCPR, CRA and other stakeholders in the industry to provide another evidentiary based justification for why premium cigars should be regulated differently from the direction the agency has thus far taken.

Crux Ships New Limitada Release

Written by Jason Clabaugh |

(Miami, Fla.) - The Crux Cigars Limitada IPCPR Show Exclusive will soon be in retail humidors.The company announced today the cigars are in their Miami warehouse and will begin shipping immediately.The Limitada IPCPR cigar is a limited edition, produced once per year in 1,000 10-count boxes.The cigaris produced in a single size, 5 x 52, box pressed, and finished with the Crux Marblehead cap. The blendfeatures the exclusive Engañoso wrapper. This is the third edition. Each of the past two productions quicklysold out.

Priced at $10.99 per cigarFor questions or additional details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

VILLGER LA VENCEDORA NEW 6X60 VITOLA AT 2018 IPCPR

Written by BigO |

(Miami, Florida) July 11, 2018— Villiger Cigars, which is celebrating its 130 year Anniversary, unveiled its first ever full-bodied Villiger Cigar brand, the Villiger La Vencedora in early 2018. Villiger Cigars will now unveil the Villiger La Vencedora “Gordo” which is a new 6X60 size vitola at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas. Reviews by consumers and media alike have been strong as the Villiger La Vencedora received a 92 rating by CigarSnob Magazine, a 92 Four Star rating by Cigar Journal, and a 90 rating by Cigar Aficionado.

Rene Castañeda, President of Villiger North America said,” The Villiger La Vencedora has been very well received and so much so that there has been demand to introduce a 6X60 vitola. We look forward presenting this new size and seeing all of our friends and colleagues at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas.”

Marrero Announces New Factory, 1st Edition Artistico Line

Tamboril, D.R.: Marrero Cigar Co. is proud to announce the opening of a new cigar factory in Tamboril D.R. with cigar artist Felix Gonzalez, the Creator of the most beautiful cigars in the world.

Joel Vazquez Marrero said “I feel privileged to start this venture with a true innovator, Felix will bring to the cigar industry his lifelong passion and love for the leaf.”

We asked Felix Gonzalez what does it mean to him to start his own Cigar Factory? He said “It has been a dream of mine to own my own factory after working in the best factories in the world. I’m humbled and honored to be producing Artistic Cigars in my own Factory, Fabrica MCR.”

“Having been in the industry for almost 30 years and having the privilege to work at Arturo Fuente, Davidoff and La Flor Dominicana. Learning from the top cigar makers in the world. Has given me the experience and confidence to know that if I work hard and follow the lessons I learned from these legends, Joel and I can produce a cigar that we can be proud of.”

Their production called “Artistico Salomon” will be of 250 boxes 1st edition. It will be a beautiful 10 count box with 10 distinguished cigars in each box.

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

H&S Debuts Holy Grail Cigar at IPCPR 2018

Written by BigO |

Hiram and Solomon Cigars is once again proud to announce an expansion in one of our high caliber cigar lines. The Shriner, also known as, “The Holy Grail” is NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE in a Petit Corona 5.5x42 size! Made and constructed with the same high quality standards you have come to know from our cigars.

*Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

*Binder: Indonesia

*Filler: Arapiraca, Habano Jalapa, Habano Ometepe, Dominican

MSRP has been set at $7.49 USD

The Shriner Petit Corona will come packaged in 20 count split top cabinet boxes similar to other cigars in our company’s portfolio.

The Shriner Petit Corona will be featured along with our other high caliber cigars at this years International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Association trade show, in Las Vegas, NV this coming week! Hiram and Solomon will be at Booth #333, stop by and see what makes our cigars great!

Villager Releases Two New Vitolas

Only 500 25-count boxes of each of these line extensions were produced.

(Miami, Florida) August 28, 2018— Villiger Cigars reports the newly announced Villiger La Flor De Ynclan Lanero Especial and The Villiger La Vencedora Gordro (6X60) is on schedule to be shipped this week. Both products are line extensions that were showcased at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas this past July.

Crux Hires New VP of Sales

Written by BigO |

(Miami, Fla.) - Crux Cigars today announced the expansion of their national sales efforts with the hi-profile hiring of industry veteran Roy MacLaren as their new Executive Vice President of Sales. The hiring is effective immediately, and Roy will join the Crux Cigars Company at this weeks 2018 IPCPR trade show.

“I have been watching the growth of Crux Cigars, and have been impressed,” commented Roy MacLaren, “They produce a great product, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to assist in their future success.”

Roy has over 20 years senior executive experience in the premium cigar industry. Previously as the President of Villiger Cigars of North America, he successfully restructured the U.S. operation. In addition, Roy has been both the Vice-President of Sales for Gurhka Cigars and U.S. Area Sales Manager for Davidoff of Geneva Cigars, where he oversaw each company’s impressive sales growth.

“I’ve known Roy for many years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts from 20 plus years in our industry,” stated Crux Cigars President Jeff Haugen, “We are extremely excited to add Roy’s talents and experience to our company.”

Villiger Releases 2 New Vitolas

Only 500 25-count boxes of each of these line extensions were produced.

(Miami, Florida) August 28, 2018— Villiger Cigars reports the newly announced Villiger La Flor De Ynclan Lanero Especial and The Villiger La Vencedora Gordro (6X60) is on schedule to be shipped this week. Both products are line extensions that were showcased at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas this past July.